Notice of June Board Meeting

The next Regular Meeting of the Board of Park Commissioners of Mill Creek MetroParks is scheduled for Monday, June 9, 2025, at 5:00 p.m., in the Education Building – McMahon Hall, at the MetroParks Farm, on Rt. 46, in Canfield. The agenda will be available on the website after 2:00 p.m. on the day of the meeting.

 

As a reminder, all weapons are prohibited inside Mill Creek MetroParks facilities. All members of the public attending the meetings will be required to pass through a metal detection device as part of MetroParks safety procedures.

MetroParks Bikeway Section to Receive Surface Improvements

Mill Creek MetroParks is pleased to announce upcoming improvements to a section of the MetroParks Bikeway from New Road to Silica Road, including the Mahoning Avenue Bridge. This highly used segment will be temporarily closed beginning Monday, June 9, 2025, to allow for the installation of a new asphalt surface.

The project is part of the MetroParks’ ongoing commitment to enhancing visitor experiences and ensuring the long-term safety, accessibility, and enjoyment of the Bikeway for all users. Construction is expected to last approximately three weeks, pending weather conditions.

During this time, the section from New Road to Silica Road will be completely inaccessible, including the Mahoning Avenue Bridge. Park visitors are encouraged to plan accordingly and use alternate portions of the MetroParks Bikeway or other park trails during the closure.

Mill Creek MetroParks Welcomes Runners for Youngstown Marathon-Temporary Road and Facility Closures

Mill Creek MetroParks welcomes the return of the Youngstown Marathon Foundation’s Sole to City Half-Marathon and 2-Mile Run on Sunday, June 1, 2025! This annual event brings together runners from near and far to experience the park’s scenic beauty while promoting health, wellness, and community spirit.

To ensure the safety of participants and spectators, some roads and facilities will be temporarily closed to vehicles, cyclists, and pedestrians from 6:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Roads & Facilities Affected:

East Golf Hike & Bike Trail

East Newport Hike & Bike Trail

East Newport Drive

Kreider’s Entrance (to East Newport Drive)

Kiwatha Road (to East Newport Drive)

East Park Drive

Valley Drive (after The Flats toward Lanterman’s Mill)

West Cohasset Drive

Old Furnace Road (between West Cohasset Drive and Ford Nature Center)

New Cross Drive

Cross Drive

Bears Den Road

West Park Drive

Birch Hill Drive

East Park Hike & Bike Trail

East Cohasset Hike & Bike Trail

Robinson Hill Drive

Memorial Hill Drive (heading to Slippery Rock Bridge)

West Glacier Drive

Price Road

Calvary Run Drive

Fellows Drive

Lanterman’s Mill

 

Limited Access Areas:

Ford Nature Center will only be accessible via Volney Road from Glenwood Avenue.

Trail access to Robinson Hill Drive (near Ford Nature Center) will be closed.

Fellows Riverside Gardens will only be accessible via McKinley Avenue.

The Flats will remain open with access available via High Drive.

We appreciate the public’s support in making this race a success! Whether you’re running, cheering, or enjoying the park later in the day, we thank you for your cooperation and encourage everyone to celebrate this exciting tradition.

As always, we remind drivers to use caution on MetroParks roads, as they are shared with pedestrians and cyclists. Likewise, pedestrians and cyclists should remain aware of vehicular traffic for a safe and enjoyable park experience.

MetroParks Farm North Parking Lot to Receive Upgrades

Exciting improvements are coming to the MetroParks Farm! Beginning Thursday, May 29, 2025, the north parking lot at 7574 Columbiana-Canfield Road will be temporarily closed as part of a project to enhance visitor safety, accessibility, and overall aesthetics.

The upgrade includes new asphalt paving and concrete curbing, creating a smoother, safer, and more welcoming parking experience for visitors. The project is expected to take approximately five weeks to complete, weather permitting.

As part of the project, the Green Team recycling area located in the north lot will also be closed during construction.

We appreciate your patience as we work to enhance the overall visitor experience and are pleased to share that all other facilities will remain open and fully accessible throughout the duration of the project.

Open facilities include:

  • MetroParks Bikeway and Bikeway Trailhead
  • South Parking Lot
  • McMahon Hall
  • Administration Office and Education Building
  • Animal Barns
  • Disc Golf Courses
  • Cross Country Course

Notice of May Board Meeting

The next Regular Meeting of the Board of Park Commissioners of Mill Creek MetroParks is scheduled for Monday, May 12, 2025, at 5:00 p.m., in the Education Building – McMahon Hall, at the MetroParks Farm, on Rt. 46, in Canfield. The agenda will be available on the website after 2:00 p.m. on the day of the meeting.

Mill Creek MetroParks Presents “Through Our Eyes” Art Exhibition at Fellows Riverside Gardens

Mill Creek MetroParks is proud to present Through Our Eyes, a captivating joint art exhibition featuring the vibrant, nature-inspired works of local artists Noreen Yazvac and Elizabeth Ford. This free exhibit is on display now through July 6, 2025, at the Weller Gallery inside the Davis Center at Fellows Riverside Gardens.

Through Our Eyes showcases a diverse collection of watercolor, acrylic, pastel, and ink works, offering viewers a unique glimpse into the natural world through the eyes of two passionate artists. From blooming flowers and serene landscapes to scenic views captured from within Mill Creek MetroParks, each piece reflects the artists’ love of color and their distinct creative styles.

Both Yazvac and Ford are past presidents and current members of the Mahoning Valley Watercolor Society. Their artistic journeys began at Youngstown State University, where they honed their talents and developed their individual voices in visual art.

Visitors are welcome to explore the exhibit during normal Davis Center hours: Tuesdays through Sundays, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. (Closed Mondays). Admission is free.

For more information about the Through Our Eyes exhibition, please visit www.millcreekmetroparks.org or contact Fellows Riverside Gardens at 330.740.7116.

 

MetroParks Bikeway Maintenance

As part of ongoing efforts to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all users, Mill Creek MetroParks will be conducting maintenance on sections of the MetroParks Bikeway beginning Tuesday, May 6, 2025.

 

To facilitate this important work, the Bikeway will be temporarily closed between Western Reserve Road and State Route 446 in Canfield Township. Additionally, the Bikeway spur trail at the MetroParks Farm will be closed to both bicyclists and pedestrians during the maintenance period.

 

This project is expected to be completed within one day, minimizing disruption while allowing for essential improvements. Please note that weather conditions may affect scheduling and completion timelines.

Notice of MetroParks Citizens Advisory Committee Meeting

The Natural Resources Citizens Advisory Committee to the Board of Park Commissioners of Mill Creek MetroParks will meet on Thursday, May 1, 2025, at 3:30 p.m., at Stitt Pavilion, located on West Golf Dr. (GPS Coordinates: +41.042166, -80.68801) in Boardman.

Mill Creek MetroParks Announces Annual Farm Animal Baby Shower

Mill Creek MetroParks is excited to announce its annual Farm Animal Baby Showerat the MetroParks Farm (7574 Columbiana-Canfield Rd, Canfield) on Saturday, April 26, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Families and individuals are encouraged to attend this free admission, family-friendly event to meet the newest arrivals at the MetroParks Farm, including goats, piglets, calves, chicks, ducklings, and more. Guests will also have the opportunity to see mother animals who are still expecting. A sheep shearing demonstration will take place from 11:30 am to 1:00 pm. Come and discover the process of shearing sheep and learn fascinating facts about wool!

Additional Activities and Amenities:

  • Mill Creek MetroParks event merchandise for sale
  • Tractor wagon rides (cash only)
  • Ice cream cones with feed for animal feeding (cash only)
  • Concession trailers and drinks (credit cards accepted) 

Parking Information:
Free on-site parking will be available, with additional parking across the street at the Canfield Fairgrounds.

The barns at the MetroParks Farm are currently open for the season, welcoming visitors to view animals daily from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Extended hours will be available from June through October, with the barns remaining open until 5:00 p.m.

Notice of April Board Meeting

The next Regular Meeting of the Board of Park Commissioners of Mill Creek MetroParks is scheduled for Monday, April 14, 2025, at 5:00 p.m., in the Education Building – McMahon Hall, at the MetroParks Farm, on Rt. 46, in Canfield. The agenda will be available on the website after 2:00 p.m. on the day of the meeting.

As a reminder, all weapons are prohibited inside Mill Creek MetroParks facilities. All members of the public attending the meetings will be required to pass through a metal detection device as part of MetroParks safety procedures.